2018 Hemp Cannabis Plant Spacing and Planting Date Field Trial by UVM

2018 Hemp Cannabis Plant Spacing and Planting Date Field Trial by UVM

Professor DeBacco


Reference Article
https://www.uvm.edu/sites/default/fil...

Borderview Research Farm in Alburgh, VT



Weather Data
Outdoor locations it is important to know what the weather was as this can vary from year to year and can also vastly impact the data collected.



Plant Spacing Impact on Plant Weight and Height
The plants that had a 5ft. X 5ft spacing had a significantly greater plant weight compared to the other spacings.
Avg Weight was 9.11 pounds



Plant Spacing Impact on Flower Yield
5ft. X 5ft spacing resulted in the greatest amount of dry matter flower yield in pounds per plant.
This could be correlated with the highest pounds per plant weight
1ft. X 1ft. Spacing resulted in the greatest amount of dry flower yield in pounds per acre.



Planting Date Impact on Plant Weight and Height
As might be expected the plant weight in pounds per plant decreased as the planting dates became later in the year.



Planting Dates Impact on Flower Yield
Surprisingly when averaged across all plants spacings, there were no significant differences observed between planting dates for flower yield.
However, there were differences noticed when plant spacing and planting date interactions were investigated.



Plant Spacing Impacts on Yield and Plant Weight
June 14th, 2018 Planting
The 5’x5’ spaced plants showed the best yields and highest amount of unmarketable buds, on a per plant basis
June 21st, 2018 Planting
The 1’x1’ spacing had the best yield and least amount of unmarketable buds, on a per acre basis
June 27th, 2018 Planting
The 5’x5’ spacing had the best yield and greatest amount of unmarketable buds on a per plant basis



Conclusions
Surprisingly, the 5’x5’ treatment generally had the greatest amount of unmarketable buds on a per acre and per plant basis.
Flower buds were deemed unmarketable primarily due to soil contamination.



Weathers Impact
Climatic variability may affect the yield benefit.
For example compared to the 27-June planting…
14-Jun planting yielded 165 lbs dry matter bud ac-1 more
21-Jun planting yielded 488 lbs dry matter bud ac-1 more
even though it was planted 7 days after the 14-Jun planting.
June was a relatively cold month, compared to historical averages, which may have stunted the 14-Jun planting.



Grower Suggestions…
Plant Spacing
If the area is limited size greater plant spacing of 5ft. X 5ft. is advised to grow larger plants.
Growers are suggested to apply more individual care to each plant to reduce unmarketable dry flower yield.
If the area is not space limited, then a drastic reduced plant spacing of 1ft. X 1ft.
This will increase the dry matter flower yield in pounds per acre with reduced need for individual plant care.
Planting Date

Assuming favorable weather mid June should be the target planting date to allow for timing with the longest photoperiods of the year.




Link to Lecture Slides: https://drive.google.com/file/d/16uL4...

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